Some Insiders Convinced Kawhi Leonard Will Re-Sign With Raptors This Summer
By Parker White
From the jump, the prevailing take was that Kawhi Leonard would play one season with the Toronto Raptors and then sign in Los Angeles with the Clippers or Lakers in free agency this summer.
Well, he's led this Raptors team to an NBA Finals berth for the first time in franchise history, and that has made the current picture a lot more interesting. In fact, a number of inside sources are now convinced that he'll re-sign with Toronto, per TrueHoop's Henry Abbott.
Count on Kawhi returning to the Raptors, per TrueHoop sources, @coachthorpe. https://t.co/HnsuYluuTg pic.twitter.com/tcbvSLIzQS
— Henry Abbott (@TrueHoop) May 31, 2019
The idea is that Kawi would return to Toronto on at least a "short-term deal," and I'm sure everyone associated with the Raptors would take that in a heartbeat. Why wouldn't they want the greatest player in franchise history -- sorry, Vince! -- to come back for more no matter what happens the rest of the way in the NBA Finals?
Kawhi returning to the Raptors on a short term deal makes sense. If he is confident in his current health care and is betting on himself. If things work out with the roster, he could stay their long term. If not, he can pivot to LA down the road. https://t.co/71kWrsAM3H
— Chris A. White ? (@fyrebear) May 31, 2019
It's not hard to understand why he'd want to return home to Southern California, but he should at least consider coming back to the Six. He's able to make more money re-signing as opposed to leaving, and his path to the Finals through the Eastern Conference is a heck of a lot easier than the alternative.
He would be foolish not to think about it, especially if the Raptors shock the world win the title.